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Delivering on a Vision for Agriculture – the Rice Industry Experience Louise Adcock Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia Our Australian Rice Industry Growing Rice to Feed the World

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Industry Facts Over 2000 farming families Direct industry employment of 6,000 and indirect employment of over 13,000 $800 million industry - $500 million from value-added exports Paddock to plate industry Around 85% of Australia’s rice is exported Feeds up to 40 million people every day Improved WUE by 60% in last 10 years High level of commitment to Research & Development

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Biodiversity Programs Biodiversity Strategy and Plan (BS&P) for the rice industry –Build the capacity of growers to provide a flexible approach = 17 practical actions - A coordinated industry approach to biodiversity enhancement across the rice growing region - Develop a model that is adaptable and transferable to other agricultural industries.

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Why cluster groups…. Materials designed to assist them to assist themselves Creates ownership of program as they determine their own targets Contributes to the fabric of their local community by including their partners and their families. Positive & fun atmosphere

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Lessons Learnt Be proactive Recognise your industries issues Turn visions into actions Engaging people means communicating effectively Create ownership on all levels – be inclusive, not exclusive Focus on the people, not the content! Work with other commodity groups not against